Chris Martin insists he has plenty still to offer after joining Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers on a short-term deal until the end of the season.
The 34-year-old striker left Bristol City on transfer deadline day after his contract was mutually terminated but he will continue the 2022/23 campaign in the second tier after manager Neil Critchley moved to provide cover in the attack.
Lyndon Dykes was released from hospital on Saturday following a battle with pneumonia and there's no timeframe on his return to action. The Hoops are currently 14th, three points above City following a run of just one win in their last 15 in all competitions.
Just hours after Martin penned a farewell message to City supporters, QPR confirmed his arrival on a free transfer. Reported by the club's official site, the striker said: "I am delighted to get things wrapped up.
“I am really looking forward to this opportunity. The phone was ringing and there were options, so it was nice to know you were wanted – and that is what I felt from the manager and the club.
“They made their feelings clear in terms of how much I can contribute here, and I feel the same. I think there is the potential for it to go really well. This is a tough league, it’s challenging and you see it every year.
“I have been in a few battles over the years myself, so hopefully I can impress on some of the lads the experience I have managed to pick up and try to help some of the younger players and the lesser-established in this division understand what it takes.
“What I can contribute is goals, that link-up play and being a focal point at the top end of the pitch. That is what I am here to do and hopefully I can do it well.
“People might think are you winding down? Are you coming to the end? That is not how I feel at all. I still feel I have a huge amount to contribute in this division and hopefully I am able to show that in the coming weeks and months.”
Martin could make his debut this weekend against Millwall and Critchley added on his arrival: "I am very pleased we have been able to bring Chris in. It is not often you get the chance to sign someone of his calibre, particularly after the window has closed.
“He’s a very good footballer, he has excellent technical ability and he knows his game. He brings a physical presence to the top end of the pitch. He is someone you can play the ball into and he keeps it very well.
“He also has that experience so he knows what is required during the game, he has that knowhow and nous. He is regularly available to play and averaged nearly 40 games a season over the last three seasons, and that’s so important in this division.
“I think he will complement the players we have at the top end of the pitch very well.”
Martin will have to wait for a reunion with City with the two clubs going up against each other on the final day of the season at Loftus Road. After starting 45 Championship matches last season, Martin struggled for regular football this time around.
He left City with a record of 17 goals in 95 appearances, including three against Severnside rivals Cardiff. He was also instrumental in forging a prolific partnership alongside Antoine Semenyo and Andi Weimann last season with 12 league goals and a further six assists.
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